New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players holds auditions for professional singers who reside in the New York City metropolitan area every three to four years in the fall. Most auditions are by appointment and are announced in Backstage newspaper and a few other publications. The company operates under a Letter Of Agreement (LOA) contract with Actors' Equity Association (AEA) which allows for both Equity and Non-Equity performers. Auditions are very competitive and require at least one legit vocal selection in English, preferably from the Gilbert & Sullivan repertory, which showcases singing technique and clarity of English diction - a must for this material. Some 400 singers audition annually for a handful of positions. A few principal roles, but more ensemble positions, are generally available. Productions employ a 25 piece orchestra and no amplification. Most leading roles require a background in opera or similar vocal technique.

Qualified singers of all ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities are encouraged to audition in all appropriate categories. There are no ethnically specific roles in Gilbert & Sullivan.

All singers who are judged to be of interest for vocal reasons will be invited to a dance call back. Those under consideration for principal roles will be invited to extensive dramatic and vocal call backs and may also be asked to dance. The company's productions feature choreographed sections requiring varying degrees of movement/dance ability. Singers who have solid dance backgrounds, as well as legit vocal technique, are frequently given preference in ensemble casting.

Potential auditionees are encouraged to attend a company performance, if possible, prior to auditioning in order to understand the level of talent and to get an idea of the company's style and stature.

Pictures and resumes, along with a request for us to call you to schedule an audition appointment if we are interested when our exact audition schedule is set, should be sent to: auditions@nygasp.org